Geshe-mas and bhikṣuṇī ordination

During the Jangchup Lamrim teachings in Mundgod, India, in December 2014, His Holiness made the following comments about the geshe-ma degree (an educational degree in Buddhist philosophy for nuns) and bhikṣuṇī ordination.

Some people have asked if it is possible to have the geshe-ma degree. Bhikṣuṇī ordination (full ordination for women) is possible because the Buddha established it. Since this is so, why wouldn’t giving nuns the geshe-ma degree be possible?

To both monks and nuns, he counselled:

Don’t stop studying when you become a geshe (or geshe-ma). If you teach, your knowledge will increase. Remember that you studied not for sake of passing the geshe exam, but in order to attain full awakening.

Regarding full ordination for women (bhikṣuṇī ordination), he said:

Bhikṣuṇī ordination should be given because bhikṣuṇīs are part of the four-fold assembly. (Photo by Wonderlane)

We’ve made efforts to convene international conferences about this subject, but so far a clear conclusion has not been reached. I believe that bhikṣuṇī ordination should be given because bhikṣuṇīs are part of the four-fold assembly that the Buddha spoke about. Thus, it’s very important that we have the bhikṣuṇī ordination.

His Holiness visited Jangchub Choeling Nunnery during the Jangchup Lamrim teachings. The following summary (not quotation) of his comments was reported by Eva, an American graduate student staying at the nunnery who was present at the talk.

The question of whether gelong-mas (bhikṣuṇīs or fully ordained nuns) can be ordained is something that must be determined by the sangha, who is examining and looking into it thoroughly. It is not a decision that one person such as myself can make. However, regarding the opportunity for nuns to study—in India, nuns now have the opportunity to study the full curriculum leading to the geshe-ma degree. Some of the nuns here have been studying for 17 or 18 years now, and are making excellent progress. Jangchub Choeling is one of the best nunneries for getting a geshe-ma education.

The Buddha established full ordination for both men and women, as bhikṣus and bhikṣuṇīs. In your studies, I want you to consider yourselves as being totally equal to the men. In the lamrim (graduated stages of the path to awakening), one of the eight favorable qualities of an ideal human rebirth is being born male. But this is only in a physical sense, because men have stronger bodies than women. In terms of intellect, women and men are exactly the same. In fact, in terms of loving-kindness, women have a greater biological tendency to feel love and compassion. So in this regard, you may be able to develop love and compassion more easily than men. In the world today, the quality of loving-kindness is rare, so it is especially important for women to contribute to the well-being of the world.

Historically, there have been great women practitioners in Buddhism. In Tibet long ago, fully ordained nuns practiced the nyung-ne fasting retreats devoted to Chenrezig; there were also many great yoginis. So you should feel very proud to be women. The Buddha established bhiksus and bhikṣuṇīs with equal rights. Now in terms of education, you have exactly the same rights as men.

Some of the nuns were in tears at the end of His Holiness’ talk. His words of encouragement were deeply meaningful to them.

About His Holiness the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on July 6, 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the very young age of two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are believed to be enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems. His Holiness has traveled to more than 67 countries spanning 6 continents. He has received over 150 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes, etc., in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He has also authored or co-authored more than 110 books. His Holiness has held dialogues with heads of different religions and participated in many events promoting inter-religious harmony and understanding. Since the mid-1980’s, His Holiness has begun a dialogue with modern scientists, mainly in the fields of psychology, neurobiology, quantum physics and cosmology. This has led to a historic collaboration between Buddhist monks and world-renowned scientists in trying to help individuals achieve peace of mind. (Source: dalailama.com. Photo by Jamyang Dorjee)